The Loss of a Job
He was certain that he was right and no matter what, he always had his dignity. No one had as much expertise as he had with his life and he was not going to buy into what I thought about his life.
Sir, can you tell me what it is I think of your life?
I don’t know but I am just telling you that I’m just not a person who is going to swallow what you say because you’re a counselor. My wife reads your blog and then tells me about what you say.
So what is it that you disagree with?
Well, nothing so far. My wife tells me I should see you because I’m depressed after I lost my job. So I just want you to know that I am not depressed.
How are you dealing with losing your job?
Well I feel fine. I just feel a little beat up emotionally. It’s tough to lose a job to amalgamation. I never thought I would be the one that was let go.
And why is that sir?
Well, I was the core of the office and there for 18 years. So when this happened I was pretty shocked and I still can’t believe that it is true.
Well sir, is their anything secure in life, really?
Apparently not! I thought there was but I guess not.
So how long has it been since you lost your job?
About two months now!
How do you spend time your time now?
That’s the funny thing. I feel it’s not real and I just don’t have any motivation to go out and look for a new one. My wife says I’m acting a little strange and I believe her. I guess.
What do you think is strange?
Well I’m a person who always was a go-getter and into whatever it is I do. Now that I lost the job I could give a sweet pickle about anything.
Well sir what do you give a sweet pickle about?
I guess nothing! Maybe I am depressed.
Well there is no doubt you are depressing. You have good reason to.
I’m not depressed. I don’t get depressed. I’m a go-getter.
So are you now?
What, depressed?
No sir, a go-getter!
I guess not, but I have no energy or motivation to get out there and hit the pavement. And besides, who want someone my age?
So let me guess – you’re over the hill?
Yes, coming down the other side.
Do you know anyone who has lost their job in the company?
Sure but they weren’t as old as I am.
Oh, how old were they?
This isn’t going to help me, talking about how old they were.
Okay. So did they find work and have you had any contact with them?
Yes and I have seen them. One guy came to me about some advice to start up his own company.
Did you help him?
Yeah I think I did.
Ted, what did that feel like?
Well it felt great and I couldn’t believe it. He was only a year younger than me. And his business is doing fine.
Okay, so why don’t you ask him for a job?
Well, I fired him.
Did you have a good relationship with him?
Well he seemed to always listens to me and we got along well. He was a better than average worker.
Ted, how do you feel now?
I feel a bit better I guess, like I don’t have to be so down on myself.
Ted, you mean depressing.
Well I guess you’re right.
Ted it’s something we do when we lose something we value. You lost your job and you’re depressed about it. It’s on your mind a lot.
Yeah, but why don’t I just get another job?
Well it hurts to be turned down.
I can handle that.
I don’t think you can after you got fired!
Yeah, I think you got me figured out!
Well it’s hard to start over but I think you can. People do it all the time. You even know one!
Yeah!!
So what did he do that you didn’t?
Yeah I wonder!
Well why not go and ask him what he did. Maybe he can give you a job and without asking him he may offer you one. Or maybe part-time. Who knows.
That’s a good idea!
So Ted when you sit around and think your life stinks, what do you do?
I depress, because it hurts.
You got it. Will you come back and see me next week? I enjoyed talking to you.
Yeah!!
Coach bri